"YOU'RE SOMEBODY SPECIAL"

January 6, 2024

PARISIAN

“You’re Somebody Special”

Recently I picked up this coffee mug and was reminded of “You’re Somebody Special” and it took me back to my days with PARISIAN. That has been a minute.

For those of us that worked in retail or in retail management, at some point in our career, we know just how stressful this industry (especially during the holidays) could be. Today, the in-store shopping experience in most places barely exists anymore. We’ve traded the experience of face to face, person to person service, that once made you feel good for instant, online, no interaction buying.

I’m sure we all have stories about the “glory days” of retail and growing up going to the malls, shopping with our friends and families and just having a good time doing it. That’s what we did in the 80’s and 90’s. You know, before the digital age…

For those of us that had the privilege of working for PARISIAN (in its prime days), I think we experienced something special. The culture was unique. Yes, it was hard work, long hours, sale after sale, etc. But there existed a bond that was unique and for those of us that worked together, in whichever store you were at, it still exists today.  You get together with fellow “Parisian employees” and suddenly you are connected.

PARISIAN’s slogan was “You’re Somebody Special” and somehow, they were able to incorporate that into almost every aspect of the company’s culture. From service to customers, the store experience, the merchandise, the types of employees selected to work in the store, the designs of the stores, the way employees were treated, trained, and valued and the overall operations of the company. I don’t think there are many retail companies that had that type of reputation, especially those that are still in business today.

But when you think about it, service has never gone out of style, in whatever we do, in whatever industry you are a part of, in whatever profession, etc., service to one another still wins.

The slogan, “You’re Somebody Special” can be applied to just about every aspect of life, but especially in relationships, leadership, and mentorship. No, not all situations are going to be great or even pleasant to deal with. There will be tough situations, conversations, and sometimes hard decisions that we all will walk through.

It’s how we demonstrate this, first to ourselves and then to those we influence and interact with, that make a lasting impact. It’s an impact that can last a lifetime.

“Demonstrating “You’re Somebody Special”, first starts with demonstrating it to ourselves.”

It takes courage to believe it for yourself and once you can believe it for yourself, it becomes easier to demonstrate it to others. Ya’ll, I know that is deep and I am sure not great at it. I fail daily. Some days and even seasons of life are easier than others. It’s how we walk through, the day by day that makes that lasting impact on ourselves and those around us.

So, remember “You’re Somebody Special” today designed for a purpose, motivate someone in a positive way today, be someone’s “Red Door”, and maybe even to yourself.

This is BestLife50.